Schools have closed and Michiganders are staying indoors during the COVID-19 crisis. Business are shut and some are out of work, which means that some families will not have enough food or resources for the coming weeks.

There are about 750,000 children in Michigan who normally receive free and reduced lunch at school during the school year. To ensure children are still getting nutritious meals, school districts throughout the state have set up food distribution sites. Private businesses and neighbors are chipping in with food, internet service and cash, too.

HOUSING & MORTGAGE RELIEF

Freddie Mac — Offering mortgage relief options for those who are unable to make their mortgage payments due to a decline in income, including forbearance for up to 12 months, waiving penalties and fees, halting foreclosure sales/evictions of borrowers in Freddie Mac-owned homes until May 17, and more. myhome.freddiemac.com/own/getting-help-disaster.html

MENTAL HEALTH

Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 — This 24/7/365 service from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides crisis counseling for people going through both natural and human-caused disasters. It’s free, multi-lingual and confidential. You can also text TalkWithUs to 66746.

National Suicide Prevention HotlineIf you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out toThe Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

Headspace, a free mental health resource for Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers meditations, at-home workouts and other help for stress and anxiety.

Other statewide resources

2-1-1 — Call 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected to a list of statewide resources for everything from food and diapers to rental assistance and bus fare. You can also search their online database.

Alzheimer's Association of Michigan has free online support groups to offer caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with social interaction, educational information and support. View their virutal offerings here.

AT&T will offer free internet access to new customers for two months and low-income households can continue to subscribe for $10/month. All public WiFi hotspots are open to anyone. AT&T will not terminate service of any customer due to an inability to pay and all late payment fees will be waived. Click here to learn more.

Comcast and Charter Communications will offer free internet access to low-income families. Internet and cable will not be suspended. Click here for guidelines.

Feeding America has a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries. They help food banks across the country support the most vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic. You can donate here or find your local food bank here.

Need Help Paying Bills has a list of emergency as well as long-term financial assistance programs. Based on various conditions, households can receive rental assistance, food, free medical care, daycare vouchers, medical care and energy bill assistance among other resources.

More than a dozen informal, grassroots networks are operating statewide. Sometimes known as mutual aid groups, they work alongside government agencies and charities and can assist with grocery deliveries, financial assistance, child care and more. Check out the map (right) from Michigan Radio to find a local group to join.

Michigan Treasury Collections Service Center Assistance may be available for those who have been laid off due to COVID-19 regarding past due state taxes or other state debts call 517-636-5265 or visit www.michigan.gov/taxes

The State Unemployment Office will extend benefits to workers who are sick, quarantined or taking care of family members who are ill. First responders in the public health community who became ill or quarantined due to exposure are also eligible. Self-employed workers and independent contractors who don’t have access to unemployment insurance will now have access to benefits. Click here to fill out the application online or call 1-866-500-0017.

USBG National Charity Foundation is offering grant assistance to bartenders and their families. Click here to fill out the application.

Upper Peninsula

Community Action Alger-Marquettecan assist residents with housing or food support. Call 906-228-6522 during normal business hours to make an appointment.

SEMCO said it is suspending customer disconnections and waiving late fees for anyone unable to pay their monthly natural gas bill. If you are concerned about your gas service or struggling to pay your bill, call SEMCO at 1-800-624-2019.

UPPCO is temporarily suspending shutoffs for non-payment for income-eligible customers. In addition, customers that are enrolled in UPPCO’s Senior Winter Protection program have had their end dates extended automatically through May 3. Customers who are significantly impacted by COVID-19 – those with a sudden loss of income or medical condition – as well as vulnerable senior citizens, can call 906-449-2013 or dial “2-1-1” from anywhere in the Upper Peninsula to determine eligibility for payment assistance programs.

Bay Mills Food Pantry is available to assist Bay Mills tribal members in need of food assistance, and is not income-based. Bay Mills Commodities is in charge of the pantry, currently located at the Waishkey Center. Bay Mills tribal members in need of access to the food pantry can call Schwiderson or her staffer John Napoletano at 906-248-2527 or 906-248-2528 to make an appointment.

Gwinn

Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, 815 South State Highway M553, has a pet food pantry to help dog and cat owners who are having difficulty feeding their pets. Proof of eligibility is not required. Email info@upaws.org or call 475-6661 for more information.

Hancock

Hancock Public Schools will be providing free breakfast/lunch. Parents and guardians are welcome to pick up food for all children 18 and younger. Meals must be pre-ordered by completing the Google sign-up form , or by calling the respective high school, middle school or elementary offices.

The Salvation Army of Hancock food pantry, 408 Ravine St., is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lake Linden

Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools will be participating in the federal program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to our students (age 18 and under) who are in need during the school closure. The meals are free to all students. Meals are for the week and must be pre-ordered. You may do so by completing a Google form or emailing drheault@lakelinden.k12.mi.us. You may also reach the LLHS Food Service Department by calling 906-296-6211 (choose option #4 from the menu and then #5 for Food Service). Please leave a voicemail. Only those who have signed up by the deadlines will be guaranteed meals.

A food drive in Roscommon. (Bridge photo by Kelly House)

Northern Michigan

Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency has compiled this list of resources for residents of Northeast Michigan.

Traverse Bay area School District will distribute food at the following locations:

CATA is offering free transit during this time but asks that it only be used for essential travel. IMPORTANT: To protect the health and safety of our drivers, please board and exit from the rear door of the bus. For additional information, please call CATA's emergency line at 517-999-2549.

Summit Pointe Housing Assessment Resource Agency (H.A.R.A.) assists those in Calhoun County in a current eviction status or those who are currently homeless who are trying to find other housing opportunities. Call 269-966-1538 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The City of Flint compiledthis listof community services, including information on free meal distribution, small business help and child care.

Food Not Bombs Flint is distributing free sack lunches to members of the public at Asbury Church,1653 Davison Rd., from noon to 4 p.m. or until the food runs out. Food distribution is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant Public Schools will offer meals on weekdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Mount Pleasant High School 1155 S. Elizabeth St. Children 18 and younger are free. Adult meals are $2.

Southeast Michigan

Bridge reader Julie Kennedy-Carpenter has an abundance of resources (housing, medical, food, caregiver, educational, and much more) on her Julie's List for residents in six counties.

Gleaners Community Food Bank has increased food distribution sites for families and children in Metro Detroit. Here are a list and map (right) of food drives.

Michigan Muslim Community Councilwill provide grocery delivery service for senior citizens living in Metro Detroit. Call 734-325-4134 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to place an order. Volunteers can sign up here.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan has set up funds to help families with health care, financial resources and other services. The agency has recently expanded its volunteer portal so that volunteers can work immediately. To donate or volunteer, click here. The organization has also launched a COVID-19 community response fund to continue efforts to support families during the school closures.

Wayne County CARES ACT provides assistance in the following areas: food & income support, property tax assistance, water & energy assistance, emergency home repair, rent & mortgage assistance and funeral supports. To learn more about which CARES Relief & Recovery Services are available in your community, please call 313-388-9799, or visit waynemetro.org/CARES.

Ann Arbor

"To go" meals will be available for pickup, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meals are for children 18 and younger and children with special needs 26 and under. If you have food allergy needs or cannot get to a pickup location, call 734-994-2265.

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills Schools will have meals available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meals will be packaged in grab-and-go containers. Meals are for children up to 18 and any child with special needs up to 26 years old. Adult meals will be offered for $4. If you have food allergy needs, call 248-341-5672

Food pickup locations:

Main entrance of Bloomfield Hills High School - 4200 Andover Rd.

Main entrance of East Hills Middle School 2800 Kensington Rd.

Dearborn Heights

Dearborn Public Schools will offer free pickup breakfast and lunch for students who attend Fordson, Dearborn and Edsel Ford high schools, McCollough/Unis, Salina Intermediate and Woodworth. 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Food pickup locations:

Help’s on the Way, 5358 South Beech Daly Rd., Pantry hours, 6 p.m. (until all clients are served. Documentation required: Must show government-issued photo identification. Passports with supporting documents may be accepted.

Firstworks Freestore, Inside of First Assembly of God Dearborn Heights, 5650 S. Telegraph Rd. Hours: second and fourth Fridays of each month from 12 to 2 p.m.

Detroit

Outlier Media has developed a fast and easy way for metro Detroiters to voice their concerns about COVID-19. The quick survey will ask participants to identify their biggest needs and vexing questions. Text “corona” to 72224 to participate.

Detroit National Action Network has free grocery, medication delivery service. The service is available to senior citizens and homebound individuals. Grocery items must be paid for with a debit or credit card. 313-288-8433

St. Christine Christian Services has a food pantry and soup kitchen that will open with limited services (carryout bags only). Food pantry, 22303 Fenkell, Detroit. 313-543-1527

TechTown is launching an emergency COVID-19 fund for Detroit small businesses. In partnership with the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), and Invest Detroit, grants up to $5,000 will be given to qualifying small businesses. Click here to apply.

Flat Rock

Garden City

Garden City public schools are offering free breakfast/lunch to all students 18 and younger, regardless of income Monday thru Friday. Pickup locations are Garden City High School and Farmington Elementary from 10 a.m. untill 1 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are given at the same time and students do not have to be present. No preorder is necessary.

Holly

New Haven

New Haven school bus drivers are delivering breakfast and lunch Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If your child rides a bus, your delivery window is 9 a.m. to 10:15. If your child is not on a bus route, pick up meal packets at New Haven Elementary between 9:05 and 10:15.

Novi

Novi Rotary Foundation Feed the Need program offers a free Grab & Go Lunch to ALL children in and around the City of Novi and special needs up to age 26. No registration required, just visit a satellite location. www.feedtheneednovi.org; 248-667-8007 text/call; Volunteers sign-up link: https://tinyurl.com/vr47v5l

Oak Park

Through April 3, Oak Park Public Schools will distribute two meals per day (breakfast and lunch) for any child under 18. Curbside locations will be at three schools open to all families between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. In addition, meal pickup will be available at six of our Detroit bus stop locations between 11 a.m. and noon. Click this link to download the flyer: OPS Feed Our Kids - COVID-19.pdf

Royal Oak

New Beginnings Animal Rescue, 2502 Rochester Rd., is offering free pet food to qualifying pet owners for up to three months. Hours of operation are noon to 2 p.m. every Sunday, except on holiday/holiday weekends. Click here to apply and for more information.

St. Clair Shores

Domino’s Pizza is offering a free one-topping large pizza for families that typically get free meals at school. 27883 Harper Ave.

Southfield

Southfield Public Schoolswill deliver two meals per day for seven days to children living in the district. Click here for delivery schedule.

Southgate

Southgate Public Schools, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. free breakfast and lunch daily for children up to 18 years old. Pick up meals at Davidson Middle School, 15800 Trenton Rd., Tuesdays.

Taylor

Trenton

Trenton Public Schools, Free breakfast and lunch will be served to all students residing in the district, 18 years and younger. Delivery will start at 3 p.m. via the Arthurs Middle Schools PM bus routes, Monday through Friday. Click here for bus routes. Two pickup stations will be available from 3 to 4 p.m. at Bristol Hills Apartments (bus stop) and Southwick CO (Ilene/York). A drive-up station from 2 to 4 p.m. will be at the high school loading dock.

Corner Health Center, 555 Towner St. Services are only offered to pregnant women, women who have recently had a baby, breastfeeding moms, and children under 5; Call 734-544-6800 to schedule an appointment.

This continuously updated post includes details of Michigan's confirmed COVID-19 cases, maps of locations, state curve data, what the state is doing to contain the spread, and expert suggestions on how you can stay safe.

Bottle returns can resume June 15. Drive-ins, immediately. Ditto for housekeeping services. But you have to wait until next week for restaurants and bars. And still no word on when tattoo shops, hairdressers and trampoline parks can reopen.

If you learned something from the story you're reading please consider supporting our work. Your donation allows us to keep our Michigan-focused reporting and analysis free and accessible to all. All donations are voluntary, but for as little as $1 you can become a member of Bridge Club and support freedom of the press in Michigan during a crucial election year.

Add new comment

Dear Reader: We value your thoughts and criticism on the articles, but insist on civility. Criticizing comments or ideas is welcome, but Bridge won’t tolerate comments that are false or defamatory or that demean, personally attack, spread hate or harmful stereotypes. Violating these standards could result in a ban.

Plain text

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Leave this field blank

Comments

Beatrice Hamilton

Thu, 03/19/2020 - 5:35pm

Hello I Didn’t See Any Information For My City Highland Park - I Am On SSI & Could Really Use Some Financial Help My Xfinity Water & Tax Bill & Water I Do Not Have Any TransportIon My Income Is Stretched With Borrowing Just About Every Month Because I Don’t Have Use Of My Kitchen It Very Costly Preparing & Buying Food That I Can Cook In The Microwave Or My Electric Pots Because Of My Health Issues I’m Afraid Of Getting Sick I Will Appreciate Any Help Especially To Have My Kitchen Repairs Done So I Can Cook I’m On A Heart Healthy Diet It’s Very Hard To Maintain Without The Use Of My Kitchen I Cant Afford To Buy Food From Restaurant's This Is So Very Scary Praying For A Cure.

What an impressive list of helping resources and thanks to Bridge for publishing them. This is an historic time in that approximately 100 countries in the world are cooperating with each other to combat a non human menace. For the first time ever! And as the virus hits new countries they, too, seek help and shared resources. Hopefully, by following advice, we live through it. Most of us will.

While the world is in this turmoil, we ALL have a great opportunity to become better humans. I love the photo of the Jewish and Muslim paramedics in Jerusalem praying at the same time! These brave men appear to have overcome centuries old differences, to help their fellow man. We can help our fellow humans. For all those hoarding, karma WILL come knocking at you door someday. You can’t take it with you.